"Bear the Consequences of Your Aggression": Washington Sends Sharp Message to Houthis

The United States held the Houthis responsible for the latest military escalation in Yemen and the region, affirming the Yemeni government's right to defend its people and end the group's ability to carry out terrorist acts, and Saudi Arabia's right to defend its land and citizens.

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen stated in a statement that "the Houthis started this conflict and they must bear the consequences of their aggression," a clear American stance coming amid rising clashes inside Yemen and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.

The statement affirmed that the Yemeni Republic government is the only legitimate government, and it has full rights to defend its people and work toward ending the Houthis' capacity for terrorism.

Washington also emphasized Saudi Arabia's right to defend its land and citizens, and its support for the legitimate Yemeni government in efforts to confront the Houthis.

This U.S. position comes as fighting fronts inside Yemen see a military escalation, coinciding with renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.

Recent Houthi attacks targeting cities and energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday injured 73 people, including women and children, triggered fires, and caused temporary disruptions in operations at some facilities.